Joan (Judy) Ruth Lotspeich went home to be with her Father in Heaven on March 1, 2026, in Fresno, CA, at the age of 95. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, faithful Christian, artist, and beloved educator who served her community with compassion and grace.

Judy was born to Kenneth and Genevieve Perry on April 24, 1930, in Coalville, Utah. She spent her elementary school years in Pinedale, WY. She eventually moved to Hyannis, NE, where she attended junior high and graduated from Hyannis High School in 1948. On August 17, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Roy LaVern (Vern) Lotspeich. After living several years in Hay Springs, NE, they moved to Sanger, CA, in 1958, where they built a beautiful home and raised their son Ralph, and daughter, Shelley.

For 32 years, she served as a special education teacher for the Sanger Unified School District, dedicating her career and supporting students with unique learning needs. She believed deeply in every child's potential and worked tirelessly to help them succeed. At the age of 95, she continued mentoring students by visiting local high schools.

She had a creative spirit and found joy, beauty, and inspiration in the world around her. She loved to paint, especially watercolors. Her watercolors reflect her deep appreciation for life.

She was a woman of strong faith whose life reflected her love for God and her commitment to serving others. As a devoted Christian, she lived each day guided by kindness, patience, and humility, touching countless lives through encouragement, prayers, and generosity. For many years she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sanger. She taught Sunday school, was involved in the Good News Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

As a loving wife, she shared a life built on faith, partnership, and devotion. As a mother and grandmother, she was the heart of her family - offering unconditional love. Her children knew they were deeply loved. She was steady, prayerful and endlessly giving. Her guidance was gentle yet strong, a grandmother whose hugs, stories, laughter, and beautifully decorated holiday tables will never be forgotten.

She had a determination and strength of character none of us will ever forget. Her life was not always an easy one. Nevertheless, she was not bitter but instead loved life and clung to it till the very end. When she died, she did so peacefully knowing she had a real home in Heaven. Her life was an example of what is good and fine, keeping goals and standards high, and grounded in a firm and steady faith in God her Creator. Her legacy is one of faith, love, creativity, and service. She will be forever missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Vern Lotspeich, and is survived by her son, Ralph Lotspeich; daughter-in-law, Julie Williams; daughter, Shelley Lotspeich Lowry; son-in-law, Drake Lowry; granddaughters, Erin and Alison; as well as countless friends and other relatives whom she dearly loved.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in Judy's name to the Parkinson's Foundation, Attn: Donor's Services, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL, 33126.